Granddaddies

These are my grandfathers. Granddaddy Pete in blue and Granddaddy Bob in red. I found this picture the other day (it's probably 10 years old), and it just made me happy. The Lord really blessed me. I got to grow up close to all of my grandparents. We lived near them, I got to see them often, and I really felt like I had a great relationship with them. I miss both of these men dearly. Granddaddy Bob passed away 2 years ago this week. And, we lost Granddaddy Pete almost 5 years ago.

It got me to thinking about my girls and their granddaddies. Jason's dad, "Gampy", passed away a year ago this Tuesday. Reese never even got to meet him. I know the girls will grow up hearing stories about their Gampy, and I hope that they will feel as if they know him and remember him that way. My dad, "Pops," was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. (for those that didn't know: they've caught it early; it hasn't spread; he's having surgery in October) I hate that Reagan and Reese will never know Gampy, and it breaks my heart and terrifies me to think of losing my dad and the girls not having either of the granddaddies. My grandfathers were both such a big part of my life, and I had always envisioned that for my children as well.

I really feel like Pops is going to be just fine. The doctor was very encouraging. Pops should be cancer-free before Halloween. I'm trusting the Lord to take care of him. But, it's still a scary time. He's my daddy, and it's hard to see him go through this. He's an amazing grandfather. He's so good with the girls, and they love him dearly. I love watching him with them, and I look forward to enjoying that for many years to come. I love you, Dad!

I don't do too many serious posts like this. But, I thought all these amazing men warranted it.

Granddaddy Bob with Reagan - his first great-grandchildGampy with Reagan - fun times!Pops playing with ReesiePops drawing with Reagan

Such a Big Girl!!!

Reesie has had 2 major developments in the last week.

1. She has a tooth!!!

Hallelujah! It's about time. We've been "teething" for months now and we had come to the conclusion that her gums impenetrable. But, lo and behold, the morning of her 8 month birthday, we found it poking through.

2. She says, "mamamamamama" (& knows that it means me!)
She started saying it on Sunday night, then everyday since she's repeated it hundreds of times a day. When I leave the room, she starts saying it over and over until I come back. Then, she just smiles at me and stops . . . until I leave the room again. I love it! However, Jason claims that she's saying, "dadadadada," and Reagan says it's, "ReaganReaganReagan." Check out the video at the end.

Reagan took this picture!

Princess Jasmine (formerly known as Reagan)

My oldest daughter is no longer named Reagan. She has informed us (and everyone that we've come in contact with in the past week) that her name is Princess Jasmine. Do not call her Reagan. It upsets the girl. Her name is Princess Jasmine.

Princess Jasmine & Cinderella (aka Norah)

Playing at the zoo with Samantha

Atop her trusty steed

Hmmmm - no words are neccesary Brushing Haven Rose's hair - check out that sweet smile!

Trusty steed or bucking bronco?

Pray for Danielle

Please keep Danielle (aka DeeDee) in your prayers over the next 2 years.  She leaves for training on Tuesday and heads to Taiwan in October.  And, be sure to check out her blog to hear about how the Lord is working through her in Taiwan.

www.enlightenedhearts.blogspot.com

What a whirlwind weekend!?!

We had a great fun-filled weekend - from which I am still recovering.

1) Friday, Jason and I got to enjoy Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with our friends, Chad & Stacie. The girls (Reagan, Reese, & Samantha) got to play together with a sitter and also thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

2) Saturday morning, we started a ladies' Bible study that I'm very excited about. It had a great start, and I really feel the Lord is going to do some great things through it.

3) Saturday afternoon, Reagan and I went to Katie Jo's 4th Birthday Party. It was at Pink Bliss, which I had never heard of. But, it was precious. The girls all got to dress up as fairy princesses. They painted their nails, put makeup on them, and fixed their hair. Then they danced around and played games. Reagan thought it was wonderful!

Getting their nails painted

Showing off her hair, nails, & makeup with a cheesy grinAll the girls posing

Reagan & Katie Jo (Birthday Girl) dancing

Reagan & Samantha checking out their beautiful reflections

Posing with Mommy & Reese after the party

You can see her blue nails

4) Saturday evening, we went to a going away party for one of the chiefs (aka 5th years) in Jason's program.

5) Sunday evening, we hosted a going away party for some friends . Mike & Brooke are moving back to Texas (aka the motherland). There was a great turnout. It was so much fun to visit and hang out with everyone. The kids and parents alike all had a great time.

The guests of honor - Mike & Brooke

Reagan and Alex chasing each other in the yard

Me & Reese, Josh & Jacob, Clay & Gracie

Most of the gang. There were 16 adults and 10 kiddos. What a crew!

We had my sweet neighbor (we call him Poppy) come over to take our group picture. As Jennifer put it, "He's not the most tech-saavy." He even managed to get a video instead of a pic for Rebecca Lee. Luckily, he snapped a great one (above) on Jen's camera that she was willing to share with the rest of us. Here's the group pic we got from my camera.

Fun Times!!

Reagan Quotes

Exercising Caution
Explaining why she didn't want to play in the shooting fountains
Reagan: It was too dangerous. There were lots of kids and I didn't want to get sick.

Recent Story Requests
1. Reagan: Can you tell me a story? About the three little pigs? But, no Big Bad Wolf. The piggies are safe in this one.
She also likes to combine characters from different stories.
2. Reagan: Can you tell me a story about Belle and Ariel?
3. Reagan: Can you tell me a story about Dora and the Beast?

Parenting according to Reagan
1. Reagan: When I grow up and someone puts a ring on my finger (translation: get married), then I'll have kiddos and they can say, "Yes, ma'am" to me.
2. She has also decided that she is going to have 3 kids. Their names are going to be Jasmine, Aladdin, and Magic Carpet.

Travel plans
Reagan: (In her crown and dress up shoes which she wears everyday now) - Bye-bye! I'm going to Paris. I'm getting married there. Then, I'm going to China. Is DeeDee in China?
Mommy: DeeDee's going to Taiwan, but it's close to China. But, no she's not there yet.
Reagan: Oh, well, I'm getting candy there. I've got 2 baskets, so I'm getting 2 candies. Then I'm going to Africa.
Mommy: Wow! That sounds like quite a trip.
Reagan: (leaves the room for about 20 seconds and returns) Paris was locked and I couldn't get in, so I'm back.

Napping
Mommy: I thought you were taking a nap with Daddy.
Reagan: I was, but I'm not exhausted anymore.

Amazement
Mommy: Lauren is going to come babysit you tonight.
Reagan: DeeDee has a friend named Lauren. I didn't imagine that there could be two of them!

Her favorite question to ask people
Reagan: Do you think I look beautiful?

Daddy's Lil' Helper

Plumbing AssistantLawn Work Superviser